Bengaluru, June 14, 2026:
ISKCON Bangalore today released Śrīla Prabhupāda Charitāmṛtam, the first Kannada Mahākāvya (epic poem) chronicling the life and legacy of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedānta Swami Śrīla Prabhupāda, Founder-Ācārya of ISKCON. Authored by renowned Kannada poet Dr. Kabbināle Vasanta Bhāradvāja, Karnataka Rājyotsava Awardee and Kannada-Tulu Sāhitya Academy laureate, the Mahākāvya is composed in the rare Aṣṭādaśapadi Gītamālā metre. The work blends classical and modern Kannada and is presented in the traditional Gamaka style. Addressing the gathering, H.H. Śrī Īśapriya Tīrtha Swāmī urged people from all walks of life to read the Kannada Mahākāvya based on the life of Śrīla Prabhupāda. He said “Śrīla Prabhupāda’s extraordinary achievements continue to inspire people even today. By following in his footsteps, ISKCON Bangalore has earned worldwide recognition through initiatives such as Harināma Saṅkīrtana, book distribution and large-scale food relief programmes. I pray that such spiritual, cultural and social initiatives continue to expand and benefit society in the years ahead.” Dr. Gururāj Karajagi, eminent educationist and Chairman of the Academy for Creative Teaching, attended as Guest of Honour and spoke on the literary significance of the work. He said “In this material world, it is natural for individuals, objects and even books to fade with time. Yet, the personality of Śrīla Prabhupāda, his propagation of the Bhagavad-gītā, and the spiritual legacy he has left behind will endure forever. The spiritual force underlying this legacy will continue to inspire and attract people for generations to come.” Śrī Madhu Paṇḍita Dāsa described Śrīla Prabhupāda Charitāmṛtam as a valuable literary contribution that introduces Kannada readers to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission of spreading Krishna consciousness and his unparalleled achievements. “This Mahākāvya is a precious work that brings Śrīla Prabhupāda’s life, teachings and accomplishments closer to the Kannada-speaking world. The spiritual potency embedded in this work has the power to touch hearts and transform lives. I urge devotees and the general public alike to read this book, reflect on its timeless message and apply its teachings in their daily lives for spiritual advancement.” The Mahākāvya traces the remarkable journey of Śrīla Prabhupāda—from his childhood in Kolkata and spiritual training, to his historic voyage to America at the age of 70 and his establishment of ISKCON as a worldwide spiritual movement. Through poetic narration, the work captures his devotion, sacrifice, global outreach and enduring contribution to humanity. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kabbināle Vasanta Bhāradvāja described the work as his humble offering at the lotus feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda and expressed hope that it would inspire generations of Kannada readers. A special highlight of the programme was a captivating Gamaka presentation of selected verses from the Mahākāvya by Dr. Jyothi Shankar, which received an enthusiastic response from the audience. Śrīla Prabhupāda Charitāmṛtam is expected to make a significant contribution to Kannada devotional literature by bringing the life and teachings of one of India’s foremost spiritual ambassadors to a wider readership.
